Multi-functional flexible LED flashlight

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/529,258, filed Jul. 6, 2017 and titled “Flash Light,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to flashlights and portable lights. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a flashlight, lamp, or other lighting device. The present disclosure also relates to modular flashlights with flexible lighting elements.

BACKGROUND

Various types of flashlights are known in the art. In one example, a flashlight may be a portable hand-held electric light, where the source of the light is an incandescent light bulb or light-emitting diode (LED). Generally, a flashlight comprises a light source (often mounted in a reflector), a transparent cover (sometimes combined with a lens) to protect the light source, a battery, and a switch/button to activate the light source. When working in poorly lit spaces, it is often advantageous to secure the flashlight to, or near, the workpiece to better-illuminate the area. For example, with regard to automotive repair, the flashlight may be secured adjacent the engine bay. As can be appreciated, the engine bay is typically crowded and, therefore, difficult to illuminate in its entirety.

Therefore, a need exists for a flashlight configured to project light toward generally inaccessible areas, while also generally illuminating the surrounding area. Existing adjustable flashlights include two categories: (1) those that are semi adjustable; and (2) those that are fully adjustable. Semi adjustable flashlights include a fixed light source having a swivel or pivot to achieve a greater field of view. An example semi adjustable flashlight is described by U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,841 to Peter F. Lynch et al., which is titled “Flashlight Having a Pivoting Head.” Fully adjustable flashlights employ a single light source coupled to a flexible lead to enable the single light source to be targeted toward the workpiece. An example fully adjustable flashlight is described by U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2004/0174703A1 to Kevin Tally, which is titled “Flexible Flashlight with LED Light Source” (“703 publication”). The 703 publication generally describes a flashlight that includes a light source positioned at the end of a flexible two-lead wire. The 703 publication explains that the flexible wire may be bent to a desired configuration so as to enable the light source to be positioned in a desired, highly-inaccessible place.

Existing semi adjustable and fully adjustable flashlights suffer from certain problems. For example, the swiveling (or pivoting) joints of a semi adjustable flashlight limit the field of view of the light source to the mechanical limits of the movable joint, which results in dead zones (dark areas) where no light can be projected. Further, existing fully adjustable flashlights, such as the flashlight disclosed by the 703 publication, employs only a single light source at the distal end of the flexible wire. Therefore, while such an arrangement enables a user to direct light toward a specific area, the light coverage is limited to the single light source at the tip. As with the semi adjustable flashlights, this arrangement also results in dead zones. Thus, a need exists for a flexible flashlight that allows for illumination along the portion extending from housing to the tip of the light element, while also maintaining flexibility and directionality. A need also exists for modular flashlights that enable users to interchange components of the flashlight, as well as systems, methods, and apparatuses for remotely monitoring or controlling a flashlight and other lighting devices.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to modular flashlights, flashlights with flexible lighting, and to systems, methods, and apparatuses for remotely monitoring or controlling a flashlight and other lighting devices.

According to a first aspect, a flexible flashlight comprises: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the housing defines a hollow cavity to house a battery; a light-end assembly having a flexible light component and a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the light-end assembly is coupled to the distal end of the housing, wherein the flexible light component has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the flexible light component being coupled with the light-end assembly, and wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed along the flexible light component between its proximal end and its distal end; and a user interface positioned on an external surface of the housing, the user interface being configured to control a function of the flexible flashlight.

In certain aspects, the light-end assembly is configured to couple detachably with the distal end of the housing via a detachable connector.

In certain aspects, the detachable connector is a magnetic connector, a threaded connector, or a spring-tension quick disconnector.

In certain aspects, at least one of said plurality of LEDs is a surface mounted light emitting diode electrically mounted to a flexible printed circuit board (PCB).

In certain aspects, the flexible light component includes a flexible, semi-rigid structure to maintain the flexible light component in a desired shape or position.

In certain aspects, the flexible, semi-rigid structure is a metal wire.

In certain aspects, the battery is a rechargeable battery and said flexible flashlight comprises a charging circuit to charge said rechargeable battery.

In certain aspects, the charging circuit is coupled to a wireless receiver circuit configured to charge said rechargeable battery wirelessly using power received from an external wireless transmitter.

In certain aspects the flexible flashlight further comprises a drive circuit to adjust a brightness of the plurality of LEDs.

In certain aspects, the drive circuit employs a pulse width modulator to adjust the brightness of the plurality of LEDs.

In certain aspects, the flexible flashlight further comprises a base-end assembly coupled to the proximal end of the housing.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly is configured to couple detachably with the proximal end of the housing via a detachable connector.

In certain aspects, the detachable connector is a magnetic connector, a threaded connector, or a spring-tension quick disconnector.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes an auxiliary battery to charge the battery or power the flexible flashlight.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a hook or a magnet.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a suction cup module controlled by a switch or lever.

In certain aspects, the suction cup module is controlled by a switch or lever.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a swivel joint.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a clamp.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a base structure to support the housing in an upright position.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a USB power adapter to facilitate charging of an external device using the battery.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a tail attachment having (1) a flexible, semi-rigid core coated with flexible material or (2) a spring-metal core coated with flexible material.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a mouthpiece comprising a soft material configured to be comfortably secured or held by a user's mouth.

In certain aspects, the battery is a lithium ion battery.

In certain aspects, the battery is removable from the hollow cavity.

In certain aspects, the light-end assembly comprises an auxiliary battery to power the plurality of LEDs when the light-end assembly is detached from the housing.

In certain aspects, the battery is configured to charge the auxiliary battery when the light-end assembly is attached to the housing.

In certain aspects, the light-end assembly is coupled to the housing via a wired tether that is configured to power the plurality of LEDs using the battery when the light-end assembly is detached from the housing.

In certain aspects, the plurality of LEDs comprises a first LED that is configured to be controlled independently of a second LED.

In certain aspects, the first LED and the second LED are positioned to direct light in opposite directions of one another.

In certain aspects, the flexible light component has a substantially circular cross-section.

In certain aspects, the flexible light component has a substantially oval cross-section.

In certain aspects, the flexible light component has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

In certain aspects, the plurality of LEDs is divided into a plurality of LED arrays that can be independently activated or deactivated.

In certain aspects, the user interface is configured to adjust a desired amount of light around a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible light component by selectively activating one or more of the plurality of LED arrays.

In certain aspects, the user interface has a first extreme position and a second extreme position, wherein each of the plurality of LED arrays is deactivated when the user interface is in the first extreme position and each of the plurality of LED arrays is activated when the user interface is in the second extreme position.

In certain aspects, the user interface is configured to activate or deactivate the plurality of LED arrays incrementally as the user interface transitions between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

In certain aspects, the flexible light component is configured to generate up to 360 degrees of light about the longitudinal axis.

According to a second aspect, a flashlight comprises: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the housing defines a hollow cavity to house a battery; a light-end assembly having at least one light emitting diode (LED), wherein the light-end assembly is configured to couple detachably with the distal end of the housing via a detachable connector; an auxiliary battery situated in or on the light-end assembly, the auxiliary battery being configured to power the at least one LED when the light-end assembly is detached from the housing, wherein the battery is configured to charge the auxiliary battery when the light-end assembly is attached to the housing; and a user interface positioned on an external surface of the housing, the user interface being configured to control a function of the flashlight.

In certain aspects, the detachable connector is a magnetic connector, a threaded connector, or a spring-tension quick disconnector.

In certain aspects, the at least one LED is a surface mounted light emitting diode electrically mounted to a flexible printed circuit board (PCB).

In certain aspects, the battery is a rechargeable battery and said flashlight comprises a charging circuit to charge said rechargeable battery.

In certain aspects, the charging circuit is coupled to a wireless receiver circuit configured to charge said rechargeable battery wirelessly using power received from an external wireless transmitter.

In certain aspects, the flashlight further comprises a drive circuit to adjust a brightness of the plurality of LEDs.

In certain aspects, the drive circuit employs a pulse width modulator to adjust the brightness of the plurality of LEDs.

In certain aspects, the flashlight further comprises a base-end assembly coupled to the proximal end of the housing.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly is configured to couple detachably with the proximal end of the housing via a detachable connector.

In certain aspects, the detachable connector is a magnetic connector, a threaded connector, or a spring-tension quick disconnector.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes an auxiliary battery to charge the battery or power the flashlight.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a hook or a magnet.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a suction cup module.

In certain aspects, the flashlight further comprises a DC port to provide from the battery a jump starting current to jump start an engine of a vehicle.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a swivel joint.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a clamp.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a base structure to support the housing in an upright position.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a USB power adapter to facilitate charging of an external device using the battery.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a tail attachment having (1) a flexible, semi-rigid core coated with flexible material or (2) a spring-metal core coated with flexible material.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a mouthpiece comprising a soft material configured to be comfortably secured or held by a user's mouth.

In certain aspects, the battery is a lithium ion battery.

In certain aspects, the battery is removable from the hollow cavity.

According to a third aspect, a flexible flashlight comprises: a housing having a hollow cavity to house a battery, wherein the housing defines a first end and a second end that is opposed the first end, wherein the housing defines; a first light-end assembly coupled to the first end of the housing, wherein the first light-end assembly comprises (1) a first flexible light component having a proximal end and a distal end, and (2) a first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed on the first flexible light component between the proximal end and the distal end; a second light-end assembly coupled to the second end of the housing, wherein the second light-end assembly comprises (1) a second flexible light component having a proximal end and a distal end, and (2) a second plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) distributed on the second flexible light component between the proximal end and the distal end; and a user interface positioned on an external surface of the housing, the user interface being configured to control a function of the flexible flashlight.

In certain aspects, at least one of said first plurality of LEDs and at least one of said second plurality of LEDs is a surface mounted light emitting diode electrically mounted to a flexible printed circuit board (PCB).

In certain aspects, each of the first flexible light component and the second flexible light component includes a flexible, semi-rigid structure to maintain a desired shape or position.

In certain aspects, the flexible, semi-rigid structure is a metal wire.

In certain aspects, the battery is a rechargeable battery and said flexible flashlight comprises a charging circuit to charge said rechargeable battery.

In certain aspects, the charging circuit is coupled to a wireless receiver circuit configured to charge said rechargeable battery wirelessly using power received from an external wireless transmitter.

In certain aspects, the flexible flashlight further comprises a drive circuit to adjust a brightness of the first or second plurality of LEDs.

In certain aspects, the drive circuit employs a pulse width modulator to adjust the brightness of the first or second plurality of LEDs.

In certain aspects, the flexible flashlight further comprises a base-end assembly coupled to the proximal end of the housing.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly is configured to couple detachably with the proximal end of the housing via a detachable connector.

In certain aspects, the detachable connector is a magnetic connector, a threaded connector, or a spring-tension quick disconnector.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes an auxiliary battery to charge the battery or power the flexible flashlight.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a hook or a magnet.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a suction cup module.

In certain aspects, the suction cup module is controlled by a switch or lever.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a swivel joint.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a clamp.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a base structure to support the housing in an upright position.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a USB power adapter to facilitate charging of an external device using the battery.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a tail attachment having (1) a flexible, semi-rigid core coated with flexible material or (2) a spring-metal core coated with flexible material.

In certain aspects, the base-end assembly includes a mouthpiece comprising a soft material configured to be comfortably secured or held by a user's mouth.

In certain aspects, the battery is a lithium ion battery.

In certain aspects, the battery is removable from the hollow cavity.

In certain aspects, each of said first and second plurality of LEDs comprises a first LED that is configured to be controlled independently of a second LED.

In certain aspects, the first LED and the second LED are positioned to direct light in opposite directions of one another.

According to a fourth aspect, a flashlight comprises: a housing defining a hollow cavity to house a battery; a light-end assembly having at least one light emitting diode (LED), wherein the light-end assembly is coupled to the housing; a communication module operatively coupled with a processor, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate commands or data wirelessly between the flashlight and an external communication device; and a user interface positioned on an external surface of the housing, the user interface being configured to control a function of the flashlight.

In certain aspects, the external communication device is a smart phone or a tablet.

In certain aspects, the flashlight further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) transmitter or receiver to track or monitor a location of the flashlight dynamically, wherein the flashlight is configured to communicate the location of the flashlight to the external communication device via the communication module.

In certain aspects, the flashlight is configured to communicate the location of the flashlight to the external communication device in real-time or near real-time.

According to a fifth aspect, a flashlight comprises: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the housing defines a hollow cavity to house a battery; a light-end assembly having a light component having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the plurality of LEDs is divided into a plurality of LED arrays that can be independently activated or deactivated, and wherein the plurality of LED arrays are arranged to direct light around and radially from an axis defined by the light component; and a user interface positioned on an external surface of the housing, wherein the user interface is configured to adjust a desired amount of light around the axis by selectively activating one or more of the plurality of LED arrays.

In certain aspects, the user interface has a first extreme position and a second extreme position, wherein each of the plurality of LED arrays is deactivated when the user interface is in the first extreme position and each of the plurality of LED arrays is activated when the user interface is in the second extreme position.

In certain aspects, the user interface is configured to activate or deactivate the plurality of LED arrays incrementally as the user interface transitions between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

In certain aspects, the light component is configured to generate selectively between 0 and 360 degrees of light about the axis.

In certain aspects, the light component is a flexible linear shaft.

In certain aspects, the light component is a rigid linear shaft.

In certain aspects, the user interface is a knob or dial.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood with reference to the following specifications and attached drawings, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a system diagram of an exemplary flashlight.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2<i>a </i>and 2<i>b </i></figref>illustrate an exemplary flashlight communication network and external communication device to control and monitor a flashlight.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3<i>a </i>through 3<i>d </i></figref>illustrate an exemplary wireless charging stations for use with a flashlight system.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a flow diagram depicting an exemplary wireless charging protocol.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a flow diagram depicting an exemplary mode selection protocol.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6<i>a </i>through 6<i>d </i></figref>illustrates an exemplary modular flashlight and various types of detachable connectors for use with a modular flashlight.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7<i>a </i>through 7<i>e </i></figref>illustrate exemplary light-end assemblies and light-end configurations.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a </i>through 8<i>j </i></figref>illustrate exemplary base-end assemblies and base-end configurations.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9<i>a </i>through 9<i>g </i></figref>illustrate an exemplary flexible light component for use with the flashlight.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>h </i></figref>illustrates an exemplary dual-headed flashlight having two flexible light components.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a flow diagram depicting an example flashlight battery charging system protocol.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11<i>a </i>and 11<i>b </i></figref>illustrate example powered detachable light-end assemblies for a flashlight.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11<i>c </i></figref>illustrates a flashlight having a compact light head be positioned at an end of a flexible structure.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11<i>d </i>and 11<i>e </i></figref>illustrate a flashlight having a 360-degree lighting element.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12<i>a </i>through 12<i>e </i></figref>illustrate an example lighting arrangement for providing light incrementally from 0 degrees to 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. For instance, the size of an element may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. Moreover, wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail because they may obscure the disclosure in unnecessary detail. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the embodiments.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words “about,” “approximately,” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described embodiments. The use of any examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the embodiments. In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For this disclosure, the following terms and definitions shall apply:

The term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention,” “embodiments,” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

The terms “communicate” and “communicating” as used herein, include both conveying data from a source to a destination and delivering data to a communications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit, and/or link to be conveyed to a destination. The term “communication” as used herein means data so conveyed or delivered. The term “communications” as used herein includes one or more of a communications medium, system, channel, network, device, wire, cable, fiber, circuit, and/or link.

The terms “coupled,” “coupled to,” and “coupled with” as used herein, each mean a relationship between or among two or more devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (i) a connection, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, (ii) a communications relationship, whether direct or through one or more other devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (iii) a functional relationship in which the operation of any one or more devices, apparatuses, files, circuits, elements, functions, operations, processes, programs, media, components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on the operation of any one or more others thereof.

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks, symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physical form or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary, whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, or otherwise manifested. The term “data” is used to represent predetermined information in one physical form, encompassing any and all representations of corresponding information in a different physical form or forms.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks and inter-networks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limited to any particular network or inter-network.

The term “processor” as used herein means processing devices, apparatuses, programs, circuits, components, systems, and subsystems, whether implemented in hardware, tangibly embodied software, or both, and whether or not it is programmable. The term “processor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, hardwired circuits, signal-modifying devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field-programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, systems on a chip, systems comprising discrete elements and/or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a functional diagram for an exemplary flashlight <b>100</b>. As illustrated, the flashlight <b>100</b> may include a processor <b>102</b>, a power supply module <b>132</b>, and a light module <b>154</b>. Where desired, the flashlight <b>100</b> may further include a display module <b>130</b>, a communication module <b>108</b>, a memory device <b>152</b>, and one or more attachment interfaces <b>126</b>. The memory device <b>152</b> may include read-only memory (ROM) <b>146</b> to receive one or more instruction sets, random access memory (RAM) <b>148</b> having a plurality of buffers for temporarily storing and retrieving information, and an internal data storage device <b>150</b>, such as a hard drive, a solid state drive or other non-volatile data storage device. A clock <b>134</b> is also coupled to the processor <b>102</b> to provide clock, timing signals, and/or pulses thereto. The processor <b>102</b> may be operatively coupled to each of the power supply module <b>132</b>, the light module <b>154</b>, the display module <b>130</b>, the communication module <b>108</b>, the memory device <b>152</b>, and the one or more attachment interfaces <b>126</b>. The one or more attachment interfaces <b>126</b> may be used to communicatively couple and/or power various external devices <b>160</b> (e.g., those that may be removably coupled with the flashlight <b>100</b>). The various external devices <b>160</b> may include, inter alia, a removable USB adapter, electro-magnet, auxiliary power supply, etc. The attachment interface(s) <b>126</b> may therefore act as the electrical interface between one or more external devices <b>160</b> and the processor <b>102</b> (and/or the power supply module <b>132</b>) to control and/or power the various external devices <b>160</b>.

Those skilled in the art will appreciated that the flashlight <b>100</b> includes one or more bus structures for interconnecting its various components. For example, the various modules and components thereof may communicate with one another through software and/or hardware interfaces, which may be hard wired and/or wireless. Further, the hardware interfaces may be removably coupled such that one module can be replaced or interchanged by the user. The various components of a flashlight <b>100</b> may be housed in a compact housing (or modular housing) to increase ease of use in mobile applications. The flashlight's <b>100</b> housing may be fabricated from a material that anti-corrosive and resistant to water, dust, and/or shock. To that end, the flashlight's <b>100</b> housing may be fabricated from one or more materials, including plastic, metal (e.g., anodized aluminum, stainless steel), composites, or hybrids thereof, such as rubber coated metal, rubber coated plastic, etc. For example, where the flashlight <b>100</b> serves as a tactical light, the flashlight's <b>100</b> housing may be fabricated from metal or another durable material.

Power Supply Module <b>132</b>. The power supply module <b>132</b> may include a power converter <b>118</b>, a charging circuit <b>120</b>, a battery <b>122</b>, an auxiliary battery <b>166</b>, and, where inductive charging is desired, a wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b>. While power leads are not illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the power supply module <b>132</b> manages and controls the flow of electrical energy from a power supply (via the AC port <b>124</b>, the DC port <b>128</b>, and/or the wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b>) to the various components of the flashlight <b>100</b>.

The power converter <b>118</b> may receive one or more forms of electrical power (e.g., an electromagnetic field, radio frequency (“RF”), direct current (“DC”), or alternating current (“AC”)) and to convert the received electrical power into a predetermined voltage and/or current. For example, the power converter <b>118</b> may be a DC-DC converter, an AC-DC converter, a RF-DC converter, etc. For example, in operation, the power converter <b>118</b> receives power from a power supply (e.g., the wireless transmitter <b>116</b>, the external DC power supply <b>162</b>, and/or the external AC power supply <b>164</b>, such as 120 VAC line power, etc.) and converts it to a predetermined voltage and/or current, which is then passed to the charging circuit <b>120</b> to charge the battery <b>122</b> and/or, where desired, one or more auxiliary batteries <b>166</b>. The auxiliary battery <b>166</b>, which may be positioned in the housing or external to the housing, may also be charged by battery <b>122</b>, for example, when power is not available from the power supply. In certain aspects, the power converter <b>118</b> and/or charging circuit <b>120</b> may be external to the flashlight's <b>100</b> housing (e.g., a wall-mounted AC/DC converter, colloquially known as a “wall-wart”).

The charging circuit <b>120</b> may charge the battery <b>122</b> and/or auxiliary battery <b>166</b> using one or more charging protocols and/or by apply signal filtering to power received from the power converter <b>118</b>. The charging circuit may be operatively coupled with at least one battery (e.g., battery <b>122</b>, auxiliary battery <b>166</b>, etc.) to store power needed to operate the flashlight <b>100</b>. The charging circuit <b>120</b>, in conjunction with the processor <b>102</b>, may monitor the capacity and charge level (e.g., state of charge (SoC)) of the battery <b>122</b> (or auxiliary battery <b>166</b>) and to determine safe charging thresholds. The charging circuit <b>120</b> may shut off the flow of electrical power when the charging circuit <b>120</b> detects that the battery <b>122</b> and/or or auxiliary battery <b>166</b> has reached a full SoC. In certain aspects, the charging circuit <b>120</b> may function as a switch to allow energy stored in the battery <b>122</b> to be discharged to the DC port <b>128</b> via the power converter <b>118</b>, which can be used to charge or jump start an external device. For example, the DC port <b>128</b> may be a USB port configured to both receive power to charge the battery <b>122</b> and to output DC power from the battery <b>122</b> to charge an external device (e.g., a cellular phone, tablet, or other portable electronic) via the USB port. In another example, the battery <b>122</b> may be used to output a jump starting current to a vehicle. To that end, the battery <b>122</b> may be sized to produce a jump starting current to a vehicle's combustion engine. For example, the battery <b>122</b> may be rated from about 3,000 mah to 30,000 mah, or higher. A flashlight <b>100</b> having a 12,000 mah internal battery <b>122</b>, for instance, may output 200 cranking amps/400 peak amps via a DC port (e.g., via an EC5 connector/connection) during a jump start function, which is sufficient to start a vehicle. Higher power internal batteries are contemplated for larger vehicles, trucks, and other vehicles with larger engines. Suitable battery boosting techniques are disclosed by commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,397,513 by Brian F. Butler et al, filed Aug. 14, 2015 and titled “Compact Multifunctional Battery Booster.”

The auxiliary battery <b>166</b> may be smaller than the battery <b>122</b> and used to power only portions (or subcomponents) of the flashlight <b>100</b>. For example, as will be described below in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11<i>a </i>and 11<i>b</i></figref>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may include a detachable light-end assembly that remains powered when detached from the housing. Accordingly, an auxiliary battery <b>166</b> may be integrated with the detachable light-end assembly to enable operation of the detachable light-end assembly, even when detached from the remainder of the flashlight <b>100</b>; thereby enabling the detachable light-end assembly to generate light for a period of time using power stored to the auxiliary battery <b>166</b>. As noted above, the auxiliary battery <b>166</b> may be charged by the battery <b>122</b> when the detachable light-end assembly is connected to the remainder of the flashlight <b>100</b>.

The battery <b>122</b> and/or auxiliary battery <b>166</b> may be a rechargeable battery to store and output DC power, such as rechargeable lithium batteries, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, etc. Example rechargeable lithium batteries include, inter alia, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, and lithium titanate. The battery <b>122</b> and/or auxiliary battery <b>166</b> may be removable from the flashlight <b>100</b> to allow the user to quickly exchange or replace a depleted battery <b>122</b> with a fully charged battery <b>122</b>, in which case a depleted battery <b>122</b> may be charged externally to the flashlight <b>100</b> via a wall charger or other external charger/charger station. This arrangement enables the user to charge the depleted battery <b>122</b> while another battery <b>122</b> is in use, thereby decreasing downtime.

Where a non-rechargeable battery (e.g., alkaline batteries) is used or desired, the flashlight <b>100</b> may permit usage of either rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. To that end, the processor <b>102</b> may first confirm that the battery <b>122</b> coupled to the flashlight <b>100</b> is a rechargeable battery prior to supplying a charging current, thereby mitigating the risk of fire by inadvertently supplying a charge current to a non-rechargeable battery. In one example, the flashlight <b>100</b> may employ smart rechargeable batteries with an inter-integrated circuit or 1-wire memory, where the battery <b>122</b> is treated as a non-rechargeable battery (i.e., no charge current will be supplied) if the inter-integrated circuit or 1-wire memory is not detected. In another example, the power supply module may include a circuit to distinguish rechargeable from non-rechargeable battery cells. For example, the charging circuit <b>120</b> may measure the internal impedance of the battery's <b>122</b> cells to differentiate between rechargeable (lower impedance) and non-rechargeable cells (higher impedance).

The power supply module <b>132</b> may include a wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b> to transfer energy in the form of an electromagnetic field from an external wireless transmitter <b>116</b> to the power converter <b>118</b>. The wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b> may include a receiver coil <b>158</b> (or an antenna, where applicable), a signal controller <b>112</b>, and a signal switch <b>114</b>. The wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b> may receive one or more forms of wireless power, including near-field wireless power and far-field wireless power. The processor <b>102</b> may be configured to identify the wireless power transfer standard employed by the external wireless transmitter <b>116</b> to prevent the flashlight <b>100</b> from being damaged by an incompatible energy source. Example wireless power transfer standards include, inter alia, Wireless Power Consortium (Qi), Power Matters Alliance (PMA), Alliance for Wireless Power, and Federal Communication Commission regulations.

In certain aspects, the power supply module <b>132</b> may receive wireless power and an accompanying wireless power protocol handshake from the wireless transmitter <b>116</b>, which may be passed to a signal controller <b>112</b>. The signal controller <b>112</b> may be electrically coupled to the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> via a receiver coil <b>158</b>. The signal controller <b>112</b> may receive the wireless power signal and prohibit (e.g., via signal switch <b>114</b>) the power from entering the rest of the power supply module <b>132</b> until the signal controller <b>112</b> has determined whether the wireless power signal received is of a compatible wireless power transmission standard. To that end, the signal controller <b>112</b> may communicate with a signal switch <b>114</b> that can be selectively opened and closed to allow only compatible wireless power signals to be passed to a power converter <b>118</b>.

Light Module <b>154</b>. The light module <b>154</b> generally comprises a drive circuit <b>106</b> that is operatively coupled with a light source <b>104</b>. The drive circuit <b>106</b> may control and adjust the light emitted by the light source <b>104</b> based on commands from the processor <b>102</b> (or directly from the user interface <b>138</b>). More specifically, the drive circuit <b>106</b> may adjust the brightness of the light source <b>104</b>. For example, the drive circuit <b>106</b> may employ a pulse width modulator (PWM) to adjust the brightness of light emitted by the light source <b>104</b> (e.g., when light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used). The drive circuit <b>106</b> may use the PWM to achieve a desired brightness by selectively turning off and on the LEDs at a predetermined frequency or duty cycle. The LEDs may be provided as, for example, chip-on-board (COB) LEDs, surface mounted devices, PCB-mounted LEDs, etc. The brightness of the light source <b>104</b> may be adjusted using, for example, the user interface <b>138</b> (a dimmer switch/wheel positioned on the housing).

The light source <b>104</b> may employ one or more LEDs (e.g., an array of LEDs) to produce white light. LEDs may be used to produce white light using three individual LEDs that emit three primary colors (i.e., red, green, and blue), which are then mixed to form white light. Another method of forming white light is to coat the LEDs using a phosphor material. For example, a blue or UV LED may be coated with a phosphor material to convert monochromatic light to broad-spectrum white light. In certain aspects, the light source <b>104</b> may employ an ultraviolet (UV) light element (e.g., a UV LED) to track ultraviolet reactive fluids. As will be discussed with regard the modular flashlight illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6<i>a</i></figref>, the light source <b>104</b> may be detachable from the housing (e.g., handle portion, base portion, etc.), thereby allowing the light source <b>104</b> to be quickly interchanged with another light source (e.g., a different type of light source).

The drive circuit <b>106</b> may be configured to drive (e.g., selectively activate) the light source <b>104</b> (or portion(s) thereof) in accordance with one or more user-selectable predetermined modes, including a flashing mode, an SOS mode, etc. In the flashing mode, the drive circuit <b>106</b> may flash the light source <b>104</b> at a predetermined frequency, which may be slow or rapid (e.g., to produce a strobing effect). In the SOS mode, the drive circuit <b>106</b> may flash the light source <b>104</b> in accordance with a specific pattern that corresponds to the Morse code equivalents to the characters “S”—“O”—“S.” The processor <b>102</b> may also be configured to change to color of the light emitted by the light source <b>104</b> by selectively activating components of the light source <b>104</b>. For example, the light source <b>104</b> may employ a plurality of light elements (e.g., individual bulbs or LEDs) of various colors or temperatures, where the processor <b>102</b> may instruct the drive circuit <b>106</b> to illuminate a particular group of light elements to yield a particular color, brightness, or temperature. For example, the light source <b>104</b> may be configured to generate light of different colors (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.) using the LEDs.

Display Module <b>130</b>. The display module <b>130</b> may be used to inform the user of the flashlight's <b>100</b> current status and/or mode of operation, as well as other information (e.g., battery life, brightness, color temperature, etc.). The display module <b>130</b> may comprise a display device <b>142</b> operatively coupled with a display driver <b>144</b>, which is operatively coupled to the processor <b>102</b> (either directly as illustrated, or via the communication module <b>108</b>). The display driver <b>144</b> may condition the data signals sent to the display device <b>142</b> from the processor <b>102</b> to generate a usable output that is compatible with the display device <b>142</b>. In certain aspects, a speaker <b>168</b> may be added to produce an auditory tone to alert the user of the current status and/or mode. In certain aspects, the speaker <b>168</b> may be used for entertainment purposes by serving as a wireless speaker. For example, audio files from an external communication device <b>110</b> may be played via the speaker <b>168</b> and communication module <b>108</b> using, for example, Bluetooth communication or another wireless link.

The display device <b>142</b> may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a segmented display device, etc. For example, the display device <b>142</b> may be an alphanumeric segmented LED/LCD display or a matrix LCD display. The LED or LCD screen may receive information from the processor <b>102</b> to create a graphical interface which may display images to represent each status and/or mode. In certain aspects, the display device <b>142</b> may further provide touch screen functionality to facilitate a user input device via a thin layer of sensing circuitry present either beneath the visible portion of display device's <b>142</b> surface, or as part of a thin, clear membrane overlying the display device <b>142</b> that is sensitive to the position of a pen or finger on its surface.

Communication Module <b>108</b>. The communication module <b>108</b> may be configured to exchange commands and other data between the flashlight <b>100</b> and an external communication device <b>110</b> (e.g., computer, smart phone, tablet, PDA, etc.). The communication module <b>108</b> may include, inter alia, a wireless transceiver <b>140</b>, global positioning system (GPS) transmitter <b>136</b>, and a connection for other user interface(s) <b>138</b>.

The user interface(s) <b>138</b> may enable the user to activate/deactivate the light source <b>104</b>, switch the light source <b>104</b> between lighting modes, etc. Example user interface(s) <b>138</b> devices may include, for example, physical buttons, physical switches, a digitizer (whether a touch pad, or transparent layer overlaying the display device <b>142</b>), and other input devices. For instance, using the digitizer, a user may control or interact with the flashlight <b>100</b> by writing, or tapping on the display device <b>142</b> using, a pen, stylus, or finger.

The GPS transmitter <b>136</b> may be used to dynamically track and/or monitor the location of the flashlight <b>100</b> (and its corresponding user) and to relay the location information in the form of positional data (e.g., geographic coordinate system data or Internet Protocol (IP) address) for display on the display device <b>142</b> or communicated to a remote computer via a communication network in real-time or near real-time. For example, in the case of an emergency, the flashlight's <b>100</b> positional data may be communicated over the communication network to emergency response personnel to assist in locating the user of the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., soldiers, firemen, law enforcement personnel, outdoorsmen, etc.). The positional data may also be locally logged and stored to the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., to internal data storage device <b>150</b>) to facilitate tracking over a period of time. For example, the flashlight <b>100</b> may be used to confirm that a security guard, or other personnel, has completed/performed his or her rounds (e.g., checked the perimeter of the property in a regular or timely fashion).

The wireless transceiver <b>140</b> may manage communication and/or transmission of signals or data between the processor <b>102</b> and another device (e.g., an external communication device <b>110</b> via a communication network or directly with an external communication device <b>110</b>). The wireless transceiver <b>140</b> may be configured to communicate via one or more wireless standards such as Bluetooth (e.g., short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz), near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards), etc. For example, wireless connectivity (e.g., RF 900 MHz or Wi-Fi) may be built in to the flashlight <b>100</b> to provide remote monitoring and control the flashlight <b>100</b> via one or more external communication devices <b>110</b>.

A user may, via a communication network <b>202</b>, control and dynamically (e.g., in real-time or near real-time) monitor for live status updates, charging/battery status, lighting conditions, and historic data and/or remotely update software and firmware. In certain aspects, an internal cellular modem may be implemented that utilizes standards-based wireless technologies, such as 2G, 3G, code division multiple access (CDMA), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), to provide wireless data communication over worldwide cellular networks. An advantage of an internal cellular modem is that there is no reliance on a user's local network (e.g., wireless router, modem, etc.). For example, using said wireless transceiver <b>140</b>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may download an entirely new lighting mode wirelessly. In operation, the flashlight <b>100</b> may first download the new lighting mode into a secondary memory (e.g., a flash memory chip) before verifying the data is correct in the secondary memory, then, ability at any point thereafter to upgrade it into main microprocessor, without requiring user consent. Indeed, it may be advantageous to force push/download certain updates to the flashlight <b>100</b> related to: reliability issues, safety, new battery charging profile, etc.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2<i>a </i></figref>illustrates a flashlight network <b>200</b> having a flashlight <b>100</b> and an external communication device <b>110</b>, which may be used to monitor and/or control the flashlight <b>100</b>. As illustrated, the flashlight <b>100</b> may communicate directly with the external communication device <b>110</b> in a point-to-point arrangement (e.g., using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). In another example, the flashlight <b>100</b> may communicate with the external communication device via a communication network <b>202</b> (e.g., over a cellular network). In yet another example, the flashlight <b>100</b> may communicate with the external communication device via a relay device <b>204</b> (e.g., a Wi-Fi router) coupled to the communication network <b>202</b> (e.g., the Internet). For example, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2<i>b</i></figref>, the external communication device <b>110</b> may display a control screen to enable the user to turn the flashlight on/off (e.g., via power icon <b>206</b>) and/or adjust the brightness (via brightness icon <b>208</b>) of the light source <b>104</b>. The user may also monitor the SoC of the battery <b>122</b> via the battery charge icon <b>212</b> (which may also be used to indicate whether the battery is currently charging), as well as other status information (e.g., brightness of the light, location of the flashlight, temperature of the flashlight, temperature of the area surrounding the flashlight, temperature of the light generated by the flashlight, status/faults, etc.) via the status window <b>210</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3<i>a </i>through 3<i>d </i></figref>illustrate a cross sectional view of a flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the flashlight—at the housing/handle) and an example wireless charging station <b>300</b>. Specifically, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3<i>a </i></figref>illustrates the wireless charging station <b>300</b> in an unloaded (empty) condition and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3<i>b </i></figref>illustrates the wireless charging station <b>300</b> in a loaded (charging) arrangement. As illustrated, the wireless charging station <b>300</b> generally comprises a base <b>302</b> defining a cavity <b>310</b> to receive a portion of the flashlight <b>100</b>, a securing system <b>304</b> to secure the flashlight <b>100</b> within the cavity <b>310</b> (e.g., secured toward the base <b>302</b> in direction A), and a wireless transmitter <b>116</b> positioned in the cavity <b>310</b> (or on a surface of the cavity <b>310</b>) proximate to the wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b>, thereby inductively coupling the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> with the wireless receiver circuit <b>156</b> (e.g., via the receiver coil <b>158</b>). Once the flashlight <b>100</b> is loaded (e.g., pressed or otherwise secured) into the cavity <b>310</b> of the base <b>302</b>, the securing system <b>304</b> may hold the flashlight <b>100</b> by closing a pair of latches around the flashlight <b>100</b>; this closed state is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3<i>b</i></figref>. Upon placing the flashlight <b>100</b> in the wireless charging station <b>300</b>, the wireless charging station <b>300</b> may automatically start charging the flashlight's <b>100</b> internal battery <b>122</b> and/or auxiliary battery <b>166</b>. For example, the wireless charging station <b>300</b> may be configured to detect the presence of the flashlight <b>100</b> by monitoring the load (e.g., detecting the presence of the battery) on the transmitter coil of the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> or by exchanging data using, for example, NFC.

With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3<i>c </i>and 3<i>d</i></figref>, a wireless charging station <b>300</b> may be mounted to a vertical surface <b>306</b> (e.g., a wall, cabinet, vehicle, etc.), or configured to simply rest (or secure to) on a horizontal surface <b>308</b> (in which case the securing system <b>304</b> can be omitted). The wireless charging station <b>300</b> may secure the flashlight <b>100</b> by either its handle (illustrated at <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3<i>c</i></figref>) or by an end (e.g., its proximal end as illustrated at <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3<i>d</i></figref>).

When the flashlight <b>100</b> is configured to mount to a surface, whether a vertical surface <b>306</b> or a horizontal surface <b>308</b>, the light-end assembly of the flashlight <b>100</b> may be interchanged as will be discussed below to serve as first type of light when docked and a second type of light when not docked. For example, when mounted to a horizontal surface <b>308</b>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may serve as a table-top lamp (e.g., a desk lamp, night stand lamp, etc.) when charging and, when a portable flashlight is desired, the flashlight <b>100</b> may be removed from the dock for hand-use by the operator (the light-end assembly may further be interchanged, where desired). Because the flashlight <b>100</b> uses an internal battery, the flashlight <b>100</b> may be used as a table lamp when line power is lost.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a flow diagram <b>400</b> for an exemplary wireless transmitter <b>116</b> protocol for use with a flashlight <b>100</b>. Upon starting at step <b>402</b>, the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> monitors for a compatible flashlight at step <b>404</b>. If the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> detects a compatible device at step <b>406</b>, the wireless charging source may then send power to the device at step <b>408</b>. If the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> does not detect (or no longer detects) a compatible device at step <b>406</b>, the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> reverts back to scanning for a compatible device at step <b>404</b>. When a compatible device is detected and the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> is sending power to the device at step <b>408</b>, the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> may obtain the battery charge level from the battery <b>122</b> directly or from the processor <b>102</b>. If the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> detects a “battery full notification” at step <b>410</b>, then the wireless transmitter <b>116</b> stop power transmissions at step <b>412</b> and the process ends at step <b>414</b>, otherwise the wireless charging source reverts back to sending power to the device at step <b>408</b>. The battery full notification (or another notification) may also be communicated wirelessly to the external communication device <b>110</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a flow diagram depicting an example mode selection protocol <b>500</b> for use with a flashlight <b>100</b> system. Upon starting at step <b>502</b>, the processor <b>102</b> waits to detect a user input at step <b>504</b>, such as a button press or mode selection made from an external communication device <b>110</b>. If no user input is detected at step <b>504</b>, then the flashlight <b>100</b> enters a loop and continuously waits for an input. Once an input is detected at step <b>504</b>, the processor <b>102</b> will update the desired mode in accordance with the desired input selection. Upon the processor <b>102</b> changing the mode at step <b>506</b>, the processor <b>102</b> may then display the mode selection to the display device <b>142</b> at step <b>508</b>. Unless the process is terminated at step <b>510</b>, the processor <b>102</b> will return to step <b>504</b> until another user input is detected. If process is terminated at step <b>510</b>, the process ends at step <b>512</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6<i>a </i></figref>illustrates an example modular flashlight <b>600</b>. As illustrated, the modular flashlight <b>600</b> generally comprises a housing <b>602</b>, a light-end assembly <b>604</b>, and a base-end assembly <b>606</b>. The housing <b>602</b> may be sized and shaped to serve as a handle for the user to grasp and/or hold; however, other shapes and sizes are contemplated. For example, the housing <b>602</b> may be shaped like a lantern base, puck, etc. The light-end assembly <b>604</b> generally comprises the light source <b>104</b> (e.g., LEDs, or other lighting element, such as lighting elements <b>710</b>), while the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may provide a physical attachment device and/or external devices <b>160</b>. Where desired, either or both of the light-end assembly <b>604</b> and the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may be removably coupled with the housing <b>602</b> via one or more detachable connectors <b>608</b>. As illustrated, the housing <b>602</b> may comprise a first end (e.g., a proximal end) and a second end (e.g., a proximal end) that is opposed the first end (e.g., facing in opposed directions). A first detachable connectors <b>608</b> may be positioned at a first end to secure a light-end assembly <b>604</b>, while a second detachable connectors <b>608</b> may be positioned at a second end to secure a base-end assembly <b>606</b>.

The detachable connectors <b>608</b> may be configured to facilitate physical and/or electrical connection. The cross-sectional shape of the housing <b>602</b> may be round, square, or another desired geometric shape. For example, the housing <b>602</b> may comprise a flat side to serve as a base to prevent or mitigate rolling. The housing <b>602</b> may be hollow to accommodate circuitry and other components of the flashlight <b>100</b>. For hand-held applications, the housing <b>602</b> may be about 2 to 18 inches in length, more preferably about 4 to 12 inches, most preferable about 6 to 8 inches in length, while the diameter may be between about ½ to 3 inches, more preferably about ½ to 2.5 inches, most preferable about 1 to 2 inches. The detachable connectors <b>608</b> may be configured to allow the light-end assembly <b>604</b> to rotate relative the housing <b>602</b> about the longitudinal axis of the flashlight <b>100</b> while maintaining operational contact (e.g., electrical contact) between the light-end assembly <b>604</b> and components within the housing <b>602</b>. For example, the female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>may be configured to rotate relative to the male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>while maintaining electrical contact.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6<i>b </i>through 6<i>d </i></figref>illustrate example detachable connectors <b>608</b> that may be incorporated in the flashlight <b>100</b>. As illustrated, each of the detachable connectors <b>608</b> generally comprises a female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>and a male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>and a set of electrical contacts <b>612</b>, <b>614</b>. The female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>may be integrated with the housing <b>602</b>, while the male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>may be integrated with either the light-end assembly <b>604</b> or the base-end assembly <b>606</b>. The opposite, however, is possible where the male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>may be integrated with the housing <b>602</b>, while the female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>may be integrated with either the light-end assembly <b>604</b> or the base-end assembly <b>606</b>. In operation, the set of electrical contacts <b>612</b>, <b>614</b> can be used to provide the positive electrical path of the circuit, while the flashlight's <b>100</b> housing (when made of metal) can function as the return/neutral electrical path of the circuit. Where the flashlight's <b>100</b> housing is not conductive, an additional set of electrical contacts may be provided to serve as the return/neutral electrical path of the circuit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6<i>b </i></figref>illustrates a detachable connector <b>608</b> with a spring-tension quick disconnectors <b>610</b> having a set of electrical contacts <b>612</b>, <b>614</b> to electrically couple the female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>to the male component <b>608</b><i>b</i>. Specifically, the female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>may include an electrical contact <b>612</b> sized and shaped to receive an electrical contact <b>612</b> (e.g., a wire, or pin) positioned on the male component <b>608</b><i>b</i>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6<i>c </i></figref>illustrates a detachable connector <b>608</b> where each of the female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>and the male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>includes a magnet <b>620</b> and an electrical contact <b>614</b> biased by a spring <b>616</b>. The magnet <b>620</b> may be, for example, an earth metal magnet (e.g., a neodymium magnet) or an electromagnet that draws its power from the battery <b>122</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6<i>d </i></figref>illustrates a detachable connector <b>608</b> where the male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>includes a plurality of grooves <b>618</b> (e.g., threads) configured to mate (screw) with corresponding grooves (e.g., threads) on the female component <b>608</b><i>a</i>. Each of the female component <b>608</b><i>a </i>and the male component <b>608</b><i>b </i>may include an electrical contact <b>614</b> biased by a spring <b>616</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7<i>a </i>through 7<i>e </i></figref>illustrate exemplary detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> for use with a flashlight <b>100</b> system. The flashlight <b>100</b> may allow the attachment and detachment of various light-end assemblies <b>604</b> depending on the user/lighting needs to supplement the functionality of the flashlight <b>100</b>.

The light-end assembly <b>604</b> may employ a worklight light source <b>704</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7<i>a</i></figref>. The worklight light source <b>704</b> may be a generally rigid housing <b>706</b> shaped as a linear shaft with a strip of lighting elements <b>710</b> (e.g., LEDs) positioned on along the length of at least one surface of the generally rigid housing <b>706</b>, though two or more sides of the rigid housing <b>706</b> may comprise lighting elements <b>710</b>. A transparent (e.g., clear, tinted, colored) or opaque lens may be provided over the strip of lighting elements <b>710</b> to seal them within the rigid housing <b>706</b>, thereby providing protection from external elements (e.g., dirt, water, etc.). In certain aspects, the lens and rigid housing <b>706</b> may be fabricated as a single structure. The generally rigid housing <b>706</b> may be pivotally attached to the light-end assembly <b>604</b> via a pivot <b>708</b>. The pivot <b>708</b> may be a hinge (to provide one degree of freedom as indicated by Arrow A) or a ball-and-socket joint (to provide multiple degrees of freedom). In other aspects, the light-end assembly <b>604</b> may also employ a narrow beam housing <b>712</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7<i>b</i></figref>), a wide beam housing <b>714</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7<i>c</i></figref>), or a lantern housing <b>716</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7<i>d</i></figref>), each with a transparent or opaque lens, reflector, etc. In certain aspects, the housing may be adjustable such that the light beam may be adjusted between a narrow beam and wide beam by twisting the end of the flashlight, which in turn would adjust one or more lens to focus the light beam. Finally, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7<i>e</i></figref>, the light-end assembly <b>604</b> may employ a flexible light component <b>702</b> with a strip of lighting elements <b>710</b> (e.g., LEDs) positioned along the length of the flexible light component <b>702</b> (e.g., distributed along the length of the flexible light component <b>702</b>). For example, the lighting elements <b>710</b> may be positioned on a surface of the flexible light component <b>702</b> or embedded in the flexible light component <b>702</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7<i>e</i></figref>, the flexible light component <b>702</b> may be a flexible linear shaft that can be bent by the user to assume and hold a desired position. For example, the flexible light component <b>702</b> may be wrapped around a structure or shaped to fit into a desired space.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a </i>through 8<i>j </i></figref>illustrate exemplary detachable base-end assembly <b>606</b> for use with a flashlight <b>100</b> system. The flashlight <b>100</b> may allow the attachment and detachment of various base-end assemblies <b>606</b> to supplement the functionality of the flashlight <b>100</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>a</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may include a USB power adapter <b>802</b> to supply power between the battery <b>122</b> and another device via the USB power adapter <b>802</b>. In use, an external device (e.g., a cellular phone, tablet, or other portable electronic) may be coupled to the USB power adapter <b>802</b> to receive a charging current from the battery <b>122</b> to charge the external device. In another example, an external DC supply (e.g., another battery, power bank, or AC/DC adapter) may be coupled to the USB power adapter <b>802</b> to charge the battery <b>122</b> and/or power the flashlight <b>100</b>. In lieu of a USB power adapter <b>802</b>, an EC5 port may be used to carry higher currents to facilitate jump starting functionality. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>b</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may comprise an auxiliary battery assembly <b>804</b> to house an auxiliary battery <b>166</b> capable of powering the flashlight <b>100</b> and/or charging the inner battery <b>122</b> when the inner battery <b>122</b> is depleted. The auxiliary battery assembly <b>804</b> may include an integrated DC charging port (e.g., a USB port, barrel port, etc.) to charge the auxiliary battery <b>166</b> from a DC power supply when detached from, or otherwise separated from, the remainder of the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., the housing <b>602</b>).

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>c</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may have a hook <b>806</b> to allow the flashlight <b>100</b> to be hung from by the base-end, thereby providing hands-free use of the flashlight <b>100</b>. The hook <b>806</b> may be flexible to allow it to fit around irregularly shaped objects. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>d</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may also be configured with a magnet <b>808</b>, which would allow the flashlight <b>100</b> system to attach magnetically to metal or other ferrous/magnetic surfaces. The magnet <b>808</b> may be an earth metal magnet (e.g., a neodymium magnet) or an electromagnet that draws its power from the battery <b>122</b>, which may be engaged and disengaged by an external communication device <b>110</b> or user interface(s) <b>138</b>.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>e</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may incorporate a suction cup module <b>810</b>, which allows the flashlight <b>100</b> to be mounted to a smooth surface through the use of vacuum forces (e.g., suction). The suction cup module <b>810</b> may include a switch or lever <b>812</b> that engages and disengages the suction cup to allow easy mounting and removal. Alternatively, a passive suction cup. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>f</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may include a swiveling (e.g., pivots and/or rotates) connection via a swivel joint and/or telescoping handle <b>814</b> to allow the user to illuminate places that are out of reach.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>g</i></figref>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may include a spring tension clamp <b>816</b> that allows the flashlight <b>100</b> to be secured on various surfaces or edges (e.g., the edge if a workbench). As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>h</i></figref>, the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may include a base structure <b>818</b> to support one or more housings <b>602</b> in an upright and/or angled position. For example a plurality of housings <b>602</b> may be secured to the base-end assembly <b>606</b> to provide multiple light sources, which may be independently controlled and/or articulated.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>i</i></figref>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may include a tail attachment <b>820</b> that allows the flashlight <b>100</b> to be secured to various surfaces by wrapping the tail attachment <b>820</b> around an object <b>826</b>. The tail attachment <b>820</b> may be coated (e.g., with flexible material, such as rubber or plastic) and may employ a flexible, semi-rigid core or a spring-metal core (e.g., the spring-metal core automatically coils or wraps) to retain a desired shape or position.

As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8<i>j</i></figref>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may include a mouthpiece <b>822</b> (a bitable stem portion) that allows the flashlight <b>100</b> to be held comfortably in the user's mouth. The mouthpiece <b>822</b> may be fabricated from, or overmolded/coated with, a soft material that can be comfortably secured or held by the user's teeth. Example soft materials may include, for example, rubber (including hard rubber, such as vulcanized rubber), plastic, vinyl (e.g., dental vinyl), etc. When not in used, a cap <b>824</b> may be positioned over the mouthpiece <b>822</b> to prevent contamination from germs, dirt, etc. The cap <b>824</b> may be, for example, threadedly coupled to the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., housing <b>602</b> or base-end assembly <b>606</b>) over the mouthpiece <b>822</b>. The flashlight <b>100</b> may include any other attachment, which adds functionality (e.g., water floatation device, tripod, solar charging station, hand-crank charging station, etc.).

While the light-end assemblies <b>604</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7<i>a </i>through 7<i>e </i></figref>and the base-end assemblies <b>606</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8<i>a </i>through 8<i>j </i></figref>are generally described in connection with a modular/detachable design, the light-end assembly <b>604</b> and the base-end assembly <b>606</b> may be permanently coupled and/or integral with the housing <b>602</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9<i>a </i>and 9<i>b </i></figref>illustrate a flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., a flexible flashlight) having a housing <b>602</b> and a flexible light component <b>702</b> coupled at its proximal end to the housing <b>602</b>. As noted above, the flexible light component <b>702</b> may be fixedly coupled to the housing <b>602</b> or removably coupled (e.g., via a detachable connector <b>608</b>). As illustrated, the flexible light component <b>702</b> may include a flexible housing <b>902</b>, a directed light lens <b>904</b>, a flexible, semi-rigid structure <b>906</b>, and a plurality of lighting elements <b>710</b>. The region of the flexible light component <b>702</b> between its proximal and distal ends may be flexed in any direction relative to the housing <b>602</b>, thereby enabling the user to aim the directed light lens <b>904</b> at a targeted area and/or bend the flexible light component <b>702</b> into a desired shape. The directed light lens <b>904</b> may include one or more lenses configured to adjust the width or diameter of the beam generated by the directed light lens <b>904</b>. For example, the user may twist the directed light lens <b>904</b> to adjust the beam size.

Each of the lighting elements <b>710</b> may be employ one or more LEDs (e.g., surface mounted LEDs <b>908</b> and/or separate LED packages <b>910</b>) to produce white light, whether using three individual LEDs that emit three primary colors (i.e., red, green, and blue) or by coating the LEDs with a phosphor material. In certain aspects, the one or more of the LEDs may be RGB LEDs to create light in multiple different shades of color by selectively illuminating the LEDs to mix the colors. In certain aspects, one or more of the lighting elements <b>710</b> may be an ultraviolet (UV) light element (e.g., a UV LED) to track ultraviolet reactive fluids. For example, a UV LED may be positioned behind the directed light lens <b>904</b>. The lighting elements <b>710</b> may be provided as surface mounted LEDs <b>908</b>, separate LED packages <b>910</b>, or as a conventional LED housed in an epoxy lens/case. For example, a plurality of surface mounted LEDs <b>908</b> may be mounted to a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that may be continuous to span the length of the flexible housing <b>902</b> or, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>a</i></figref>, cut into segments, each being electrically coupled in a daisy chain arrangement via electrical leads. Specifically, the configuration in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>a </i></figref>allows for more flexibility in the y-direction by alternating at least one strip of flexible printed circuit board with at least one void that contains the electrical leads (e.g., wires, ribbon cable, etc.) to electrically couple each portion of flexible printed circuit board to the next. Alternatively, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>b</i></figref>, a plurality of separate LED packages <b>910</b> may be electrically coupled to each other via electrical leads. Each separate LED package <b>910</b> may include, for example, an LED chip (such as chip-on-board (COB) LED, which may be optionally coated with phosphor) affixed to a silicon sub-mount, which can then be coupled to a thermal heatsink. Each LED package <b>910</b> may be positioned in (or on) an outer package to improve structural integrity of the LED package <b>910</b>, which may further include a lens to guide light emitted by the LED chip. The LED package <b>910</b> may be secured within the flexible housing <b>902</b> via the outer package.

The flexible housing <b>902</b> may be generally cylindrical with a diameter between ⅛ inch and 1 inch, more preferably between about ¼ inch and ¾ inches, and most preferably about ½ inch. The flexible housing <b>902</b> may be about 2 to 24 inches in length, more preferably about 6 to 18 inches, most preferable about 12 inches in length. The flexible housing <b>902</b> may be coupled at its proximal end to the light-end assembly <b>604</b>, while the directed light lens <b>904</b> may be coupled to the distal end of the flexible housing <b>902</b>. While the directed light lens <b>904</b> and the flexible housing <b>902</b> are illustrated as separate components, they may be fabricated as a single component. The flexible housing <b>902</b> may be fabricated from one or more flexible transparent (or semi-transparent) materials, including, for example, silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, etc. The flexible housing <b>902</b> may be configured to fully enclose and/or seal any enclosed electronics (e.g., the lighting elements <b>710</b> and any associated electrical components) to provide protection from dust, shock, and water.

The flexible housing <b>902</b> may be fabricated from one or more materials to provide a desired light brightness, color, and/or distribution. To that end, the flexible housing <b>902</b>, or portions thereof, may be a clear material, an opaque material to function as a diffusor, or a transparent colored (or tinted) material to tint the light, filter the light, and/or provide UV light. An opaque material may prove advantageous where, for example, an even “soft glow,” while a clear material may be preferred when a used desired a bright light. In certain aspects, the flexible housing <b>902</b> may be segmented and/or fabricated from a plurality of materials, such as a clear material, an opaque material, transparent colored material, etc. Indeed, as best illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9<i>c </i>through 9<i>e </i></figref>that illustrate example configurations taken at cross-section A-A of FIG. <b>9</b><i>b</i>, the flexible housing <b>902</b> may be divided lengthwise into two or more segments. For example, the flexible housing <b>902</b> may be divided into two segments <b>910</b><i>a</i>, <b>910</b><i>b </i>as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>c</i></figref>, three segments <b>910</b><i>a</i>, <b>910</b><i>b</i>, <b>910</b><i>c </i>as illustrated in <b>9</b><i>d</i>, or four segments <b>910</b><i>a</i>, <b>910</b><i>b</i>, <b>910</b><i>c</i>, <b>910</b><i>d </i>as illustrated in <b>9</b><i>e</i>. While <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9<i>c </i>through 9<i>e </i></figref>illustrate the flexible housing <b>902</b> as having a circular cross-section, other shapes are contemplated, including a flatter rectangular cross-section and an oval cross-section as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9<i>f </i>and 9<i>g</i></figref>. A benefit of a flatter cross-section is that the flexible housing <b>902</b> may be more easily rolled upon itself for storage (e.g., wrapped or coiled).

Each of the segments may be fabricated from the same material, different materials, or even as a single structure such that light is directed in a particular direction or a different form of light is emitted depending on which strip (or array) of lighting elements <b>710</b> is illuminated. The flexible, semi-rigid structure <b>906</b> may be embedded within the flexible housing <b>902</b> to allow the flexible housing <b>902</b> to maintain its shape. The flexible, semi-rigid structure <b>906</b> may be, for example, a semi-rigid wire fabricated from metal or a metal alloy (e.g., aluminum, iron, and alloys thereof) to hold or maintain the shape of the flexible housing <b>902</b> once bent by a user.

The flexible housing <b>902</b> includes a plurality of lighting elements <b>710</b> positioned along the length of the flexible housing <b>902</b> between its proximal and distal ends. For example, the plurality of lighting elements <b>710</b> may be embedded throughout the length of the flexible housing <b>902</b> to generated light along the length of the flexible housing <b>902</b>. In certain aspect, the plurality of lighting elements <b>710</b> may be configured to point in different directions to generate light around the 360 degree diameter of the flexible housing <b>902</b>. For example, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>d</i></figref>, two strips of lighting elements <b>710</b> may be positioned facing in opposite directions, where each strip of lighting elements <b>710</b> generates lights about 180 degrees of the flexible housing's <b>902</b> diameter (e.g., each side of the dotted line). In another example, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>d</i></figref>, three strips of lighting elements <b>710</b> may be positioned facing different directions, where each strip of lighting elements <b>710</b> generates light about at least 120 degrees of the flexible housing's <b>902</b> diameter. In yet another example, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>e</i></figref>, four strips of lighting elements <b>710</b> may be positioned facing different directions, where each strip of lighting elements <b>710</b> generates light about at least 90 degrees of the flexible housing's <b>902</b> diameter. Similarly, the directed light lens <b>904</b> may include one or more lighting elements <b>710</b> to illuminate a targeted area (e.g., to function as a spotlight).

The flashlight <b>100</b> may comprise a plurality of LEDs or LED arrays, each of which may be independently activated/deactivated to yield a desired light profile. Further, each of the plurality of LEDs or LED arrays may be independently dimmed (e.g., by adjusting a PWM driver to a given LED or LED array) to yield a desired light brightness or intensity.

The independently controlled LEDs and/or LED arrays may be positioned on different portions of the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., at segments <b>910</b><i>a</i>, <b>910</b><i>b</i>, <b>910</b><i>c</i>, <b>910</b><i>d</i>). For example, the lighting elements <b>710</b> associated with each segment of the flashlight <b>100</b> may be selectively activated (or deactivated) to provide a desired amount of light around and outward (radially) from an axis defined by the longitudinal axis (X-axis) of the flexible housing <b>902</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12<i>a </i>through 12<i>e</i></figref>, which uses the light of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>e </i></figref>as an example, demonstrates an example lighting arrangement for providing light incrementally from 0 degrees (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12<i>a</i></figref>) to 360 degrees (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>e</i></figref>) of light about the longitudinal axis. In this example, the longitudinal axis coincides with the flexible, semi-rigid structure <b>906</b> positioned in the flexible housing <b>902</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>b</i></figref>, the lighting element(s) <b>710</b> of segment <b>910</b><i>a </i>may be activated to provide 90 degrees of light about the longitudinal axis. To provide an additional 90 degrees (totaling 180 degrees), the lighting elements <b>710</b> of segment <b>910</b><i>b </i>may be activated as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>c</i></figref>. To provide an additional 90 degrees (totaling 270 degrees), the lighting elements <b>710</b> of segment <b>910</b><i>c </i>may be activated as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>d</i></figref>. Finally, the lighting elements <b>710</b> of all four segments <b>910</b><i>a</i>, <b>910</b><i>b</i>, <b>910</b><i>c</i>, <b>910</b><i>d </i>are activated, thereby providing 360 degrees of light about the longitudinal axis as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>e</i></figref>. While increments of 90 degrees are described, larger or smaller increments may be provided by adjusting the number of independently controlled LEDs or LED arrays positioned about the longitudinal axis.

A user interface (e.g., a knob or dial) may be provided on the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., at housing <b>602</b>) to adjust the desired amount of light around the axis defined by the longitudinal axis. For example, when the user interface is positioned at a first extreme position (e.g., rotated all the way to the left) all lights may be deactivated as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>a</i></figref>, while all lights may be activated when the user interface is positioned at a second extreme position (e.g., rotated all the way to the right) as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12<i>e</i></figref>. As the user adjusts (e.g., rotates) the user interface from the first extreme position to the second extreme position, the lighting elements <b>710</b> may activate incrementally (e.g., one LED or one LED array per increment) until all lighting elements <b>710</b> are activated as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12<i>b </i>through 12<i>d</i></figref>. The knob or dial may be integrated with, for example, the housing or light head to enable a user to adjust the amount of light through a twisting motion of the housing, the light head, or a portion thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the flashlight <b>100</b> may be provided with a mechanical shutter to adjust the light profile by physically obstructing or blocking the lighting elements <b>710</b> (or a portion thereof). The mechanical shutter may likewise be adjusted through a twisting motion of the housing, the light head, or a portion thereof.

While described primarily in connection with a flexible housing <b>902</b> used in a flexible light component <b>702</b>, the independently controllable lights and/or mechanical shutter may be similarly applied to other light configurations (e.g., the light-end assemblies <b>604</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7<i>a </i>through 7<i>d</i></figref>) to provide a desired light profile. For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11<i>d </i>and 11<i>e </i></figref>illustrate example flashlights with LEDs positioned to provide between 0 and 360 degrees of light about the longitudinal axis, in addition to light directed in a forward direction. Specifically, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11<i>d</i></figref>, a 360-degree lighting element <b>1110</b> may be provided at the first end of the flashlight (e.g., adjacent the forward-directed light) to provide 0 to 360 degrees of light about the longitudinal axis. The 360-degree lighting element <b>1110</b> may comprise a lens, diffuser, and/or a plurality of independently controlled LEDs or LED arrays. In other aspects, the 360-degree lighting element <b>1110</b> may be provided on the housing, an example of which is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref><i>e. </i>

In certain aspects, a flexible light component <b>702</b> (or another light-end assembly light-end, such as those illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7<i>a </i>through 7<i>e</i></figref>) may be provided on each side of the housing <b>602</b>. An example dual-light flashlight <b>100</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9<i>h</i></figref>. As can be appreciated, the flexible light components <b>702</b> may be removably coupled or fixedly coupled (or a combination thereof) with each end of the housing <b>602</b>. A directed light lens <b>904</b> including one or more lighting elements <b>710</b> may be position at the distal end of each flexible light component <b>702</b>.

Turning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, a flow diagram is depicted of an example external battery charging protocol <b>1000</b>. Started at step <b>1002</b>, the battery charging protocol is initiated. At step <b>1004</b>, a measure parameter of the flashlight <b>100</b> and/or battery <b>122</b> is determined. The flashlight <b>100</b> monitors various types of data (e.g., voltage, current, temperature), whereby the flashlight <b>100</b> calculates charge percent, battery health, system run time and other measurement parameters. Example measurement parameters include, for example, battery-charging faults (e.g., “NO FAULTS” or specific fault), battery-charge voltage (volts), battery voltage type, battery-charge current (amps), percent charge of battery, charge state type, actual charge time (minutes), battery temperature, temperature exceeded limit, AC power status (e.g., plugged in or disconnected), gateway radio signal strength, and ACM software version (broadcast on connection only).

As step <b>1006</b>, the parameter is outputted to the external communication device <b>110</b> and displayed at step <b>1008</b>. At step <b>1010</b>, the user may provide one or more commands to the flashlight <b>100</b>. For example, the user may include an application command, reset microcontroller (e.g., processor <b>102</b>), reset nonvolatile memory after changing battery (e.g., ROM <b>146</b> or data storage device <b>150</b>), host firmware revision, request a dropped message count, download checksum for file used for host user controlled software update, download firmware to external flash via ACM, request device code, product ID, and power mode, report of device code, product ID, and power mode, ACM connection status, and start or stop a given charge.

At step <b>1012</b>, the flashlight <b>100</b> may alert the user to one or more potential issues. For example, an integrated speaker or display devices may output an alert (e.g., sound, visual, etc.) at step <b>1020</b> to indicate to the user that there may be an issue with the flashlight <b>100</b>. Alternatively, the alert may be output to the external communication device <b>110</b> and displayed at step <b>1020</b>. The process may be cancelled at step <b>1014</b>, where, if cancelled, the process ends at step <b>1016</b>. Alternatively, the process may return to step <b>1004</b> whereby the one or more parameters are updated (e.g., re-measured) and the cycle continues. The cycle may be repeated dynamically (e.g., in real time) or in periodic intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds to 5 minutes).

In operation, a user may wish to position the light in a small area, which may be difficult to reach due to the size of the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., its housing <b>602</b>). Therefore, it may be desirable to detach the lighting component from the remainder of the flashlight <b>100</b> for a period of time. To that end, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11<i>a </i>and 11<i>b </i></figref>illustrate a flashlight <b>100</b> having a detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> that remains powered when detached from the housing <b>602</b>. The detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may be electrically and/or communicatively coupled with the components of the housing <b>602</b> (e.g., the battery <b>122</b>) via a wired tether <b>1102</b>. The wired tether <b>1102</b> may be configured to retract into the housing <b>602</b> when the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> is coupled to the housing <b>602</b>. The detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may be physically coupled to the housing <b>602</b> via a pair of clips <b>1104</b><i>a</i>, <b>1104</b><i>b. </i>

Where a wired tether <b>1102</b> is not desired, the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may be equipped with an onboard power supply. Using the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11<i>b</i></figref>, an auxiliary battery <b>166</b> may be positioned in the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> to power its one or more lighting elements <b>710</b> when detached from the battery <b>122</b> and/or housing <b>602</b>. To recharge the auxiliary battery <b>166</b>, the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may be coupled to the housing <b>602</b> to receive a charging power from the battery <b>122</b> and/or the charging circuit <b>120</b>. In certain aspects, the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may comprise its own DC port to facilitated charging of the auxiliary battery <b>166</b> via an integrated power converter and/or charging circuit.

When desired, logic circuitry (e.g., a processors, memory, etc.) may be positioned in or at the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> to facilitate control and operation of the one or more lighting elements <b>710</b> (or other components) when detached from the logic components of the housing <b>602</b>. To reduce complexity of the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b>, the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may be configured to employ a default mode, for example, to maintain the user-selectable predetermined mode (e.g., constant, flashing mode, an SOS mode, etc.) at the time the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> is detached from the housing <b>602</b>. In other aspects, the detachable light-end assembly <b>604</b> may also be provided with a user interface to facilitate control and/or adjustment of the one or more lighting elements <b>710</b> without necessitating reconnection to the housing <b>602</b>.

In another aspect, the desired electrical and lighting components of the flashlight <b>100</b> (e.g., the power supply module <b>132</b>, light module <b>154</b>, etc.) may be provided as a stand-alone compact light head <b>1106</b> to be positioned at the end of a flexible structure <b>1108</b> (which may be bent to provide a flexible hook, or other shape), an example of which is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11<i>c</i></figref>. To allow the user to insert or snake the compact light head <b>1106</b> into small areas or crevices, the compact light head <b>1106</b> may have a diameter of, for example ⅛ to 1 inch, more preferably about ⅜ inch. Similar to the above-described tail attachment <b>820</b>, the flexible structure <b>1108</b> may be a semi-rigid, flexible linear rod (or wire, tube, etc.) that coated (e.g., with flexible material, such as rubber or plastic) and may employ a flexible, semi-rigid core or a spring-metal core (e.g., the spring-metal core automatically coils or wraps) to retain a desired shape or position. The length of the flexible structure <b>1108</b> may be determined based on its application. For example, the flexible structure <b>1108</b> may be relatively short (e.g., 3 to 8 inches) in automotive repair applications where many small-diameter objects exist about which the flexible structure <b>1108</b> may be wrapped. However, in other applications, such as construction, it may be desirable to wrap the flexible structure <b>1108</b> around a larger object, such as a drywall stud, column, or the like, in which case the flexible structure <b>1108</b> may be longer (e.g., over 8 inches, for example, 8 to 36 inches).

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

All documents cited herein, including journal articles or abstracts, published or corresponding U.S. or foreign patent applications, issued or foreign patents, or any other documents, are each entirely incorporated by reference herein, including all data, tables, figures, and text presented in the cited documents.